Media Statement by Liew Chin Tong in George Town on Monday, 3^rd August 2009:

People power remembered

The Democratic Action Party expresses its condolence to the family of former President Corazon Aquino and to the people of the Philippines for losing a heroine of our times.

In the aftermath of her husband’s assassination in 1983, her iron will and soft demeanour combined inspired a peaceful uprising that brought democracy back to the Philippines in 1986 from Marcos’ dictatorship.

“People power” not only transformed the Philippines but Asia and beyond. At the very least it inspired the massive public outcry for change in South Korea, Taiwan, Myanmar and China in the late 1980s.

It is in this light that Mrs. Aquino should be remembered among towering figures of our time, such as Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, who have inspired the world to fight for freedom, equality and democracy.

* Liew Chin Tong, DAP International Secretary & MP for Bukit Bendera